Judge Denies Contempt of Court for Warren Co. Magistrates

A Logan Circuit judge today denied a motion that would have found 4 Warren County magistrates in contempt of court for voting in support of Beech Bend Raceway.

The 4 magistrates in question voted to condemn a disputed stretch of Beech Bend Road .and make it a public roadway to be used for access to Beech Bend Park.

Neighboring property owner Matt Baker argued that was a violation of Judge Tyler Gill's earlier order that the road was private property.

That would mean the Fiscal Court was in contempt of court.

Judge Gill ruled that the Fiscal Court was within its rights to take what was now private property and condemn it, a common practice outlined by law.

"Certainly I agree with Judge Gill's decision, and we hope to now have conversations with Mr. Baker and Mr. Reynolds and come to an equitable conclusion to all this," said Warren County Judge Executive Mike Buchanon.

"We're just glad this thing is finally moving forward on the condemnation, it's time to put this thing behind us," said Dennis Murrell, Beech Bend's attorney.

Mr. Baker referred comment to his lawyer, who was unavailable for reaction.

County officials hope to make an offer for the property soon, but if the two sides can't agree the condemnation case could end up back in court.

Even if today was the last time this 2-year case was in court, it's already been expensive for everyone involved.

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